heroizes | day 2 (after trial)

day 2 (after trial)

[ Ever since Jack had seen the profile cards, there had been an immediate and heavy sense of guilt to settle in his gut, because... Good lord, a lot of these really hot people were so young? It wasn't an isolated case, which made him feel worse, but none so much as Elizabeth, who, uh.

Well. He didn't want to think too much about just much he'd been charmed by her. Like, it was the embarrassing "meeting Mox for the first time" level, and that was something he'd never wanted to relive. And yet, here he was, trying to mack on a twenty year old. Dammit.

It's something he's actually pretty embarrassed about, and it's why he hadn't approached her earlier. He knew he really should have, but he at least gave himself the excuse that things had gotten a little crazy what with people turning up dead and all. Still, it's not something he wants to let sit too long, lest she think he's... God, a creepy old perv? He doesn't know. He hates this.

Regardless, after the execution (and probably body cleanup, yikes) as everyone disperses, Jack approaches Elizabeth. He waves idly to catch her eye, though once he's done so, he'll step closer to speak to her. ]

Hey, Liz- [ :) ] Y'mind if we chat real quick? I've got something I want to tell you.

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[ It seems like there was going to be a long night for everyone. Even if curfews were so strictly enforced, Elizabeth knew there wouldn't be much else keeping her from thinking about this until she falls asleep. Elizabeth did her part, both good and bad, in this "trial" and she's having to own up to that.

It makes her wonder: how did the girls in Rapture do this? How did they lead people on, make them do the dirty work or just... dance like puppets on strings?

When she hears her name - er, nickname - she stops in her tracks to turn to the familiar man who... honestly, hadn't spoke to her since she made him breakfast.

Rude. ]

If it's about freezing the body, I can assure you, it was just a suggestion that -

[ But, she studies him a bit more, getting the feeling it was something else. ]

Can I help you with something?

Nonono— [ Jack half-interupts her to dismiss that first idea, and he waves his hand lightly as a physical gesture to match. ] Honestly, considering the crapshoot that we'refacing with that whole thing, think you're on the right track there, since, yeah, cryo, that's the way-- Ahhh, no.

[ He shakes his head, since that's not what he was pulling her aside for. He sighs and glances away with an expression that's almost petulant, since this is really awkward to do, but he looks at her again. His hands settle on his hips, and he shrugs. ]

Wanted to apologize to you, actually.

[ He doesn't elaborate on why, since he feels this is pretty obvious, or at least obvious enough that he doesn't need to spell it out. ]

[ Once he dismisses her, she shifts a bit defensively. A hand rises to rest on her hip and her brows perk up as if she's trying to get a read on him. Truthfully? She is. The guy was goofy, but seemed to be a bit smart in his own regard from what she recalled but - most of all, he was willing to put ambition to a good cause. Escaping.

When he mentions an apology, she genuinely looks confused. Blink, blink, he can see her face scrunch up a bit. ]

And why's that? Not following why you need to apologize to me.

[ That defensiveness is something he completely misses, if only because he's just not really paying attention to it. He's a bit too self-centered to pick up on it easily. It's one of the personality traits about Jack that will get greatly exaggerated later in his life and make him into the man that was both admired and feared. So really, even the apology he has in mind here was less for her and more to absolve himself of the guilt rather than for Elizabeth. Not completely, but it's certainly an undercurrent. ]

It's-- Ughhh.

[ He groans out a noise of frustration, but now it's starting to become more apparent that it's embarrassment as his face twists up. ]

So, first of all, this is super awkward, but, look. I'm sorry for being... kind of... creepy.

[ There are drawn out pauses between each part there, and he reaches up to (tenderly) partially cover his face with his hand. ]

I thought you were older, so... Y'know, that's why I was flirting. [ or trying to ] But I feel like a creepy old dude because I've got a daughter your age. So... I'm sorry, Elizabeth. That was, uh. That was kind of weird and inappropriate. Now that I know the ages of everyone here, dammit.

[ That last part is muttered more to himself. ]

[ This is honestly awkward because he's making it awkward. Jack may be creepy old dude status to most, but honestly...? 1912... 1958... :)

When he starts apologizing, a hand goes up to rub at her neck, as if she's awkward too. He talks about age and she doesn't get it - or seemingly doesn't get it. I mean, this was actually stored away with the fact that he wasn't...stupid. He read a situation - the profile card ages - and came to a conclusion.

...And that's why she wants to pursue this. To have him keep thinking and turning those gears. ]

No apologies are needed. [ She says with an honest, sunny smile. ] I'm sorry for laying it on so thick back there myself!

[ Her own words drip in a raspy, succulent slowness that emphasizes on thick. ]

Where I'm from, most people settle down by 18. Guess there's a difference in what's acceptable. You don't have to hang yourself, you know. Mistakes happen. [ She gives a shrug. ] Shame though, I enjoyed your company.

[ Ahhh, he knew he was going to mess this up. This is the kind of thing he sucks at, because giving apologies? Not really something he did often, if he's honest. It's the kind of thing that gets you walked over in Hyperion, even if maybe you did mess something up. But in this? He definitely felt one was owed, even if she dismisses it. His expression is apologetic and near exasperated when she starts, but as that tone appears, it shifts to a softer confusion. ]

What? No. No, no, no, that's not what I'm saying...

[ He shakes his head, then shrugs ]

I mean, I enjoyed your company too? You're smart. That's, uh, obvious. And I like smart? Especially in a situation like this. That, and I said I was gonna help you get to the skylight, and that's not changing just because you're younger than I thought.

[ There's another shrug, but he gives her a smile that's still slightly uncomfortable, but with his apology out of his brain, he's at least starting to relax. ]

We're stuck in the same situation, and pretty sure we both wanna get the hell out of here. I think that's a pretty good reason to work together. Just, y'know, less of me being an idiot with a bad case of slackjaw.

[ Men are dumb and it is only human nature for them to continue being dumb. Elizabeth laughs a bit as he fumbles, trying to get the right words out. If she can continue to keep him talking, she'll get a better feel of him.

Get to really know if he's worthy of... well, an alliance. ]

Jeez, you're awfully kind if you're going to help me out with no pretenses. [ But, the way she speaks implies she was fine with giving him rewards for his efforts. ] Lots of guys would expect something in return. Looks like I lucked out.

[ Smiling a bit, she does try and soothe the sting of Jack's embarrassment. ]

You're right, but don't be too hard on yourself. I actually pegged you as a really smart guy. Ambitious as hell. That alone makes me want to stay close to you.

[ I mean, but there is the fact that - ]

I didn't make too many bright ideas during the trial... I need someone to help refine some ideas. We're kind of stuck with nothing but guessing, but we have to make good guesses.

[ They're both getting a read on each other with each conversation, but unlike Elizabeth, Jack's isn't quite so intentional. Whether it's a natural-born talent or simply a skill learned in Hyperion, he can pick out messages in between her words here. He doesn't quite hide that either with his shifting expressions as he listens to her speak. He's thoughtful and truly listens, but there's a sharpness to how he looks at her. He's not just listening, but he's absorbing and really thinking about what she's saying here.

And it too is familiar.

He shifts and crosses his arms, and though he doesn't quite intend it, it's like Jack is sizing her up in a new light here. He'd seen Mox in her before, but now he sees Hyperion too in how she speaks. It's honeyed words for the sake of scrambling for some goal, and now that he's not captivated by the sentiment quite so strongly, he at least thinks he can see through it a bit more. In another context, he might find this irritating. But in this one?

It's useful. ]

Nah, not just guessing. It would be just guessing if we were working with way more people here. An actual population instead of just a sad office party.

[ It might fit with what Elizabeth expects of him, but on this subject, he's far less... awkward. His words are much more confident, and that ambition is a bit clearer when he speaks this way. ]

We've got dangerous people here. Hell, even without the staff members thing? That chick, Diva, she was... Well, I'm not going to say it's a bad thing that we're rid of someone who doesn't seem to care about killing people. I don't think she's the only one, either. Not with what I overheard from peoples' comments during all of-- [ He waves his hand vaguely towards the courtroom ] That. It was a wrong shot, but I don't think it was a bad one.

[ He pauses again and considers something, but he doesn't look back up to her when he speaks, since he's still thinking through something. ]

What we need-- We need something to stay "awake" while all of us are asleep. Since, I mean pretty obviously? They're not playing by the limitations the rest of us are. That'll make guesses better. Beyond better. Not easy with the real crap materials here, but, eh, maybe doable. I'd have to think about it more before I start promising I'll be making surveillance.

[ At this point, he does look up to her, and he shrugs ]

Or, y'know, Plan B, and you've just gotta network. No one's perfect. I mean... Okay, not quite as murderous, but Hyperion, where I work? Kinda, uh, oddly similar. So. I know the game. Eventually, one of them's gonna slip up, and you've just gotta be ready with the information in hand to take 'em out.

[ She's not as transparent as she could be, but she slips her mask of feminine wiles a bit. She communicates with the way her eyes look off to the side that she wasn't fond of acting this way, of flirting her way for information and alliances. It doesn't matter if she likes it, it keeps her safe and it keeps her in power.

He talks and her attention snaps back to him. She does crack a smirk. ]

Sad office party. Cute. [ When he mentions the dangers of the population, she closes her eyes. There's a heavy sigh. ] Would she have posed a threat to us? Not sure, but people wanted to keep her prisoner and abstain. Have their cake and eat it too, you know.

[ It didn't sit well with her!! But, when Jack starts talking about staying awake... that's when she really listens. It's not about morals, it's about survival. ]

I was going to barricade my apartment door, honestly. That narrows the field down, only have to worry about who is in your room as opposed to 30-some people. The Luke boy? I'm rooming with him. Seems alright, took a break to the nose too. [ In which she teases: ] I think you both have some stuff in common.

[ like said nose.

Ahem. ]

One of them slips up or we put ourselves in a vulnerable position. Can networking be that fulfilling when you're risking as well?

[ Jack's expression hardens slightly here, but it's resolve more than anything else. There's still conflict in his expression, but it seems like he's already come to a conclusion about this. He thinks about saying more about Diva, but also decides against it. That's something he has an opinion on, but because of how it relates to some other things he's still parsing through, he decides to keep it to himself. The rest of the conversation is more important anyways. ]

Not a bad idea, but with what? Since, well, seems like they, whoever they are, they've got more to work with than us. Not discounting the idea here, but just saying, what kind of barricade are you making that could stop 'em? Which, rhetorical question, so you don't need to answer, but-

[ He gives a cockier smile when she mentions the broken nose, and he even laughs. ]

Yeah, that's how it's gonna go. I feel like you've gotta take risks if you want the reward. Where, uh, the reward here is "not dying," apparently. [ He shrugs ] So, kind of up to you there. You don't think it's worth the risk? Can't blame ya. But networking is the best we've got for now, at least so far as I can see.

[ Jack pauses, then laughs as he bows his head lightly ]

And, I mean, I'm sayin' this to you knowing that, hey, you could be one of those staff members, right? So, risk numero uno, checked off.

[ He raises a good point - one about the power these staff members have. What their goal... their power... their resources? Everything remains to be see and that variable? Kills her. ]

Didn't think that far ahead. Just thought barricading a door - the bed, breaking a stall door - not sure. It was wishful thinking, but it would have at least pissed them off for having to work hard for their kill.

[ Unless, you know, the person was inside of the room. Elizabeth plays coy, though. Giving a playful smirk. ]

You like taking risks don't you? [ Of course, just the way he seems to want to roll the dice indicates as such. ] This one I'm not too keen on taking, but if you think it's best - keep 'em at arms length. I've got my eyes on a few people, but only to make sure I don't end up dead in a secret room.

[ But, he talks about her being a staff member and she laughs. She doesn't advance, but the way her attitude shifts, she slips the mask on. For old time sake. There's a seduction in her voice that isn't ...sexual, but more affirmative. Straight. Truthful.]

If I was one, I could have taken you out the moment your pants tightened around me. Dying in this cage or doing anything to risk finding a way out hasn't even crossed my mind.

[ You're not supposed to use his pussyhounding against him, Liz!! But actually, he seems pretty amused that she's taking it in stride enough to joke, so Jack laughs and shrugs helplessly. ]

I meaaaaan, you're goin' for the femme fatale kinda thing, right? Soooo, lucky me that we're more on the femme side and less on the fatale! Because not saying I have a weakness for women or anything, but... Y'know, heroes tend to!

[ It's probably more than a little arrogant to call himself a hero, but he says it so smoothly that it might almost come off like a joke. He's not joking, though. ]

Which is also to say, yep, absolutely a risk-taker. Within reason, of course, since there's a big difference between evaluating a situation and taking a gamble and just being a friggin' idiot, but I try to lean towards the first one more than the second. Probably helps that I'm not as bad at it as I might seem. [ Liz isn't the only one who uses being underestimated to their advantage, but Jack's version certainly does take a different tone... ] Anyone you're looking at worth knowing about?

Edited 2016-10-11 01:35 (UTC)

[ Handsomest pussyhound in 62 needs to be knocked down a peg or two. ]

Femme fatale? Guess you could call it that. I just needed to fit in back - well, before all of this. [ There's a shrug of her shoulder. Honestly? It was just because the attire was sending mixed signals that Elizabeth didn't really sell the look - it was modest, but hugged every damn curve she had. Business and pleasure. ] This isn't a place for a hero, you may want to keep that one wrapped up between us. Not draw any attention to yourself and some such.

[ Elizabeth looks to her lighter that lies clutched in her grasp. She'd smoke, but when he seems to have saw through her? She doesn't force herself to. That's a relief.

But, he goes on and she sizes him up with a grin. ]

Not particularly. Ran into a few people. Veronica, Bigby, Luke, Lara are a few I've talked with but... nothing pinged me as off. Except, you know, boys being macho in every dripping sense of the word.

[ A pause follows. ]

You?

[ There's a flicker of a smile that's understanding at the first part, and the sympathetic, bleeding heart part of him wants to ask more, but he decides against it. Maybe if it wasn't familiar, he would have, but he knew how much Mox had hated it. Maybe he'd learned in the end after all, and it's why he shrugs and gives a casual, if vague answer. ]

Nah- I mean, hard to take my word for it, but I get it. Just joking with you here, I promise.

[ Because he can guess she'd be uncomfortable with that, Jack moves on quickly as that cockiness returns. ]

Now you're just flattering me. [ His tone is teasing, but this also sounds like something he is absolutely okay with... This probably would even seem more flirtatious than his genuine attempts, but no, he just loves having his ego inflated. Platonically, in her case. ] There's no place for a hero, but, hey, that's why you've just gotta make it yourself. At least, that's what I figure.

[ He waves his hand vaguely, since he's just talking with his hands here. ]

Because more than you'd think. Miiight be because I make a living working with snakes, so, hey, can't even promise that any of my impressions have ground here beyond good ol' fashioned paranoia, but. Doesn't seem like the worst thing, all things considered. So, that caveat said, still interested? I'll give you the cliffnotes.

No worries, friend. I'm not taking any of this to heart.

[ I mean, the whole situation is pretty messed up and they have much more to deal with than flirts, teases, and underestimating the woman. Elizabeth chews on the end of her nail as she thinks, letting him talk about heroics as if he has some personal stake in it. ]

Sure, why not. [ She says with a tired shrug. ] I'll counter your paranoia with good ol' fashioned women's intuition. I've made a few of my own -

[ She begins counting on her fingers. ]

Veronica? Idealistic, good at fixing but from some future where nuclear bombs hit. Bigby? My, that man has a temper if those poor pool sticks are any evidence. Not much else besides that. Hell of a smoker, I hear. Luke? Kid seems a little impressionable... stubborn. Ava? Something's off about her - I gave my necktie when we first awoken because she was digging into her hand 'til it bled. Not sure what that's about.

[ It's not quite what he'd meant by explaining his paranoia, but this works out well. Hell, better than he expected, considering he gets to see her hand first before giving his. He nods along as Elizabeth explains, and especially to Bigby and Luke, since he'd spoken to both of them and agrees with her assessment there. Bigby he doesn't have much to add to, but for Luke, he shrugs. ]

Yeah. Luke, not a bad kid, but sharp in... [ He thinks of how to succinctly explain this for a moment before deciding he can't, so he shakes his head ] Well, without getting too much into my work at home, he was pretty interested in it. Considering I'm working on building a robot army, that was kinda surprising? 'Specially for a kid, I mean.

[ "Kid" he says, but it's not like SOMEONE here is much older >:[ ]

The ones you've gotta watch out for in my opinion are, uh, young girls, which is kinda surprising, but they don't exactly have... Morals? Is it weird to say morals? That's what it seems like they're lacking. The Alice kid, the girl, and Shijima. Neither one of 'em is bad, especially Shijima, since she's actually pretty easily bought with food, but just with how they were talking, doesn't give me much confidence for being stuck with them. Similar concern with the nose guy. [ alfendi... ] He kinda lost it for a hot second there.

[ He pauses, then adds: ]

This one's personal, I'll admit, but I don't trust the Danse guy either. I don't exactly trust military anything, considering there's a force, uh, kinda trying to kill me. He's like them, so, yeah, transparent with my bias here, but just throwing it out there.

[ But finally, he sighs ]

The Rhys guy is... messed up too, but don't worry about that. I'm, uh, handling that one, since apparently it's personal. Apparently, because remember the time stuff we were talking? He's a bad case of it. He's from my future or whatever, and— [ His expression gets difficult here, since he's thinking more about the man Rhys said he would become, which doesn't trouble him any less. But rather than talk about that, he waves his hand dismissively to instead bring up a point that he figures will mask that concern: ] I think... we dated...? I dunno. Don't ask that guy to explain anything. He's friggin' terrible at it.

[ When people bring up "faults", it's usually in a tongue and cheek way. She's not here to really pat his ass or soothe the paranoia. It's casual, so she lets him not really view it as a fault. :)

Luke was a tricky subject. They're "roommates" now... so how should she feel? ]

If he's sharp, I'll keep my eye on him. If I ever get taken out? Chances are it was him. He's fishing, I think. Be it for his own gain or the staff's gain.

[ When he goes off about his robot army, she crosses her arms with an incredulous look. ]

What is it with men and robots...? [ Rhys, now him? Little does she know how tied the two men are. For now, she lets him talk. Talk about Alice and Shijima. ] That was my first thought. Not casting any judgment there, but if the girls were ... girls, why waste the resources? People try and save women and children first, but if one wanted to prevent that...? Child and women are by man's accord, the weakest link.

[ However, look she knows Shijima is old by the damn profile cards now, but there's something about the frailty of youthful femininity.... maybe that's why she dresses up so much now? But Alfendi: ]

I can't say much - didn't see it happen. He seems to be looking for answers in some, bumbling good-natured kind of way. [ The mention of Danse makes her shake her head as well: ] I could keep an eye on him. I'll be doing the same with Bigby. Flirt enough and people take their eyes off your face and to your body. Body language is easier to fake.

[ A poked hip and full bust could definitely keep attention off of her... As he keeps blabbing on about this Rhys guy, it reveals itself as why. That's... definitely interesting. Can't say she isn't too concerned. Its bittersweet to have someone brought here. ]

Don't you think it's a little odd you're both brought here then? He claims to know you when everyone else here has... no one.

[ A pause, even if it's inaccurate, it's her first observation. ]

That's worth investigating, I think. He has something no one else seems to: an advantage. [ But she has to say, since the subject is weird for her: ] Dated... You're kidding right?

[ PLEASE DON'T BE PROBLEMATIC, ELIZA - ]

You're pretty much out of his league, guy must be broken up about losing you. Poor sap.

[ Oooooh God. ]

Edited (holy shit let me fix this format) 2016-10-11 15:27 (UTC)

[ Jack listens again, nodding to Luke in particular, since he agrees, though he does have more to say about the girls, considering what she's brought up. ]

Dunno if it's... quite like that, Liz. [ the future is more progressive and about equal opportunity murder, get with the times!! ] I was just thinking more that if we've got some assholes willing to murder random strangers, they, uh, seem like more viable candidates than other people. Gender aside there, they're just kinda callous, or at least that's my impression. Figure that's probably as good a place to start as any. Because, well, don't think it's by man's accord, right? I'm at least assuming Judy's the one that put all of this together.

[ He knows it's just a figure of speech, but he'd wanted to point it out. Though as she wonders about Rhys, his brow knits together, and he shrugs. ]

...I mean, maybe, but... I dunno. I wouldn't worry about it? I think other people are more suspicious, so- Actually, no, tell you what. The guy is- Well, he's got this weird thing with me, whatever it is, so I'll keep an eye on him. Anything comes up to make me go "yeah something's not right with this guy?" You'll be the first to know. And also probably the only to know, since, I mean, gossip kinda seems deadly here, but.

[ ...Oh. Jack is actually surprised at the end there when she doesn't insult him, so his serious expression turns to a wide grin instead. ]

Right? I am such a catch. So, I mean, can't blame the guy for wanting a piece of this, but— But. You know. Fuuuuuture. [ I'm not saying he says this like squidward, but maybe, gotta throw in the obligatory pop culture references ] So, yeah, nnnnot happening! Also, I prefer chicks!

[ A pause, and then: ]

...Which I realize you don't care about. Just. Scratch those last few sentences from memory or whatever.

Really? [ That catches her off guard. Maybe there's a bitterness about it, something that makes her want to still focus on how wicked girls can be - how much they can achieve if motivated enough. He may be more progressive. She assumes the younger girls are outliers in that way, fragile but ferocious. He's blunt with his assumption now. ] I figured just the presence of these girls seem odd. That's where I was really getting at.

[ It makes her feel a bit better - talking about this and throwing ideas back and forth. When he talks about the Rhys boy, she gives him a judgmental stare. ]

Mmm... if you say so. Just don't let that nifty little fact about your apparent relationship out you if we go to trial again. [ For all she knows, he could be a staff member... Whatever the case is, she tries to keep transparent while also artfully distributing her opinions. ] Putting any past... er... future hangups in the mix of all this? Not smart. I don't care what you do, but don't put yourself into a corner. Keep an eye out and I'll do the same. Gotta - gotta find a place I can write my suspicions down. In case I leave a pretty corpse next, I don't want it to be for nothing.

[ Nope, there's an airy laugh when he tries to talk about striking from her memory. ]

Got enough of memory loss, pal. Don't worry. Secrets and all that.

[ However, Elizabeth doesn't want to just talk people, she wants to talk about getting out - ]

How's the skylight coming?

Ehh, tomato, tomato.

[ Which is weird to type just because it's totally the same word but. You know his tone here. It's a little dismissive, but this is just Jack working through things quickly as he really thinks about this. He's a quick, very sharp thinker, though it's to a fault. ]

I won't. Don't worry. Or... I will? I dunno, being transparent about that seems like it's probably better, but, eh, I won't say it unless it needs to be said. I'm really good at talking myself into a corner, which I think you've probably already seen, but, I'm being more careful here considering the stakes.

[ There's a hint of the failing here, since it seems like he already has his opinion set about the people, though with something more objective like the skylight, the strength of that quality is much better.]

Thinking about it, but not much yet. I've got a lack of... stuff here. Which, not saying that it's impossible, but it means I've gotta be more creative. More working with, uh, junk. You know what I wouldn't give for an actual, modern computer? In that case, I bet it'd be no problem, but, eh, what'll you do.

[ He speaks quickly there as if he's rushing to his point, and as he explains, he gestures generally to help illustrate his ideas. ]

Easiest solution is gonna be to get up on the walkways and then work your way up, buuuut that's, y'know, super dangerous. So. I've been thinking about how people that climb mountains and shit do it, so some strong ropes, duh, but we're working with a flat surface that isn't gonna take well to trying to make footholds. So instead, a weighted system. You get something to launch rope over, weight it down on the other side with about double of the body weight of the person on the other end. Then you're just pretending you're back in junior high and climbing the rope and trying to ignore all the assholes laughing at your skinny nerd arms.

[ not that this is personal ]

That's gonna be the best bet, at least for what I'm thinking now. That's the highest point, so start out there and you'll at least get a better, uh, starting point. Secondary idea? That's hacking, baby. We've got one terminal, and it is old as balls, but it's a computer all the same. Juuuust, y'know, gonna be scratching at way back hobbyist knowledge to dick around with those things. Dicking around with assemblers? Jesus. [ Which, actually... ] ...But if you need a place to write shit down, maybe I can help with that. It- It wouldn't be super hard to make a program, so long as I can store stuff on the terminals. You store your info in them and lock it down with a password kinda thing. Just. Y'know. Makin' sure the password gets out in case of... Bad stuff. That's probably important.

Hey, whatever works best for you, stranger. Whatever history you two have - you know yourself best.

[ The last thing this place needs is relationship problems and yeah, it'll probably 100% hit the fan eventually. Elizabeth hopes to not even be around at that point when it does. There's a nervousness about her as she chews on her thumb a bit, pacing in a small circle.

His talks of hacking make her think: was it really 'ancient' to him? These were so far advanced that it made her head hurt thinking about it. ]

Maybe you could ask Judy real nice for one. Didn't stop her from providing drinks and the occasional hint of pity. [ Liz is not a fan!!!! ] Whatever it is, we're stuck with it. It's our only way to communicate with her and we need to keep contact with someone over this whole - whole thing.

[ He seems to speak in a way that's dripping with charisma and confidence. Despite the distance she's keeping from others, it's almost too deadly to be lured in. Elizabeth has seen that first hand, but hey - he's a weenie. Seems innocent enough. ]

Would it be best to send the younger girls first? They're the tiniest and if we scrap up enough cans and other items - it wouldn't be too hard. [ This conversation: little girls. He moves on to talk about hacking and she's left perking a brow. It's a trait she's been interested in, but never had the chance to truly develop. ] Hold on one moment - you .... you want to try and crack into the system that Judy provides?

[ There's a thought, though. As much as Elizabeth wants to say it was a brilliant idea, she has to think. There's a lot of risk. When you're putting something onto the system, a system someone else owns... her mind can't wrap around it. Pen and paper was the furthest they've gotten so she's naturally a bit apprehensive. ]

That would be amazing, Jack. [ She sounds appreciative, but there's a hanging 'but' - ] ...but, is that really safe? If Judy has access, if those staff members have access... I have no doubt there's some sort of fail safe or override. That would put you and I both at risk. If this is a direct line to Judy, I can only imagine that is how the staff is communicating with her. There's no way Judy and the staff members aren't in correspondence... she's either their minion or they're hers.

[ Storing data... that sounds incredible, but the fact is knowledge remains the crucial power, but without it? You're trapped. ]

That's putting it far too close to them.

[ how could it ever go wrong, you know jack and rhys are both so excellent at handling their emotions ]

Yeah, cans could work... Hell, with any luck, you could secure it to one of those fake trees, but I haven't exactly looked close at 'em. You'd need to see what they're "rooted" in first, but that wouldn't be hard. Hardest part would be a secure knot, since, uh, I'm not a knot-heh, not-a-knot-er, aficionado.

[ He shrugs, but moves onto the computers, since that's more his forte in the first place, and the engineering and physics challenge of his first idea is simple, but still underdeveloped. Hacking, though, as clear, is something he's put more thought into. ]

Ehhh, less crack and more use. Because if I was cracking it, I'd be taking over the whole system. Move over Judy, Jack's here, baby! That kinda thing. Which, I'd probably also kill her if she is an AI, but whatever, getting rid of likely-murderous AIs, not gonna cry over that. People are more important, y'know?

[ There's a dangerous dismissal in there, but it's easy to gloss over it, especially when you get draw into Jack's confidence on this subject in particular. He doesn't sound sorry about the prospect at all, but with how he says it, it does seem unfortunate, but necessary. ]

But, for a simple program? Easy-peasy. Encryption included at no additional cost, because yeah, you're right, Judy could probably get into it no problem. But that's why you do it two-fold. Encrypt the info so that it's nice and obscure even if someone does get to sniffing around, but if Judy cracks it? Encrypting the encryption, and the second layer, that's one only you and me and whoever know. Something easier to remember, like a cipher, but keep that part manual.

[ Jack pauses, then laughs as he thinks about it. ]

Actually-- Actually, that would be hilarious. Just, just imagine that! They get super psyched about cracking it, ready to see the secrets unfold, and then it's just more bullshit. Oh my god, that would be- I love it. I dunno about you, but I love it. Should've totally done something like that when I hacked into Hyperion's servers, dammit. Ah, well. Next time.

Edited 2016-10-13 13:48 (UTC)

[ Flash forward to everything on fire and multiple causalities. Yeah, let's hope Jack doesn't go fucking loco here and add gas to the explosion.

Oh my god, the more Jack rambles - especially about knots???? - a hand slides up to cup at her own face. This is both brilliant but embarrassing. She doesn't doubt there's some kind of truth with his ridiculous way of phrasing, but she listens. He'll see her slide a pack of cigarettes from her arm's sleeve, pull a cigarette and offer it to him. It was the first time she openly offered it first. If not? She'll pull her own and light it with no problem. Huffing to herself, Elizabeth calls back quickly - ]

Using the system is very risky... We'd have to ensure it can't be traced back to us. [ That much is obvious. Jack reassures her a bit with the double-encryption, though. It makes sense... but when she thinks of what Judy may have access to - be her a real person or some... program or robot, there's obviously a hesitance there. ] It would buy us time, even if Judy or some staff members have some access or override... If there's no other lead in that we have, we need to start somewhere.

[ This "lead" is honestly just them writing down their suspicions like this is some gross gossip girl burnbook. She'll take it, though. ]

This is where we're being lead, I guess we can do it. Just keep it strictly anonymous and no leads to me, you or anyone else we trust enough. I'm fine keeping it between us. Girl can't let too many people know her secrets least she be called easy.

[ There's a heavy sigh after she takes another puff of the cigarette resting between her fingers. ]

Is there anyone in our little group that can hack it, though? My main concern is the staff is qualified, overly so, and -

[ Then everything will be to waste. ]

[ Jack is surprised when she offers a cigarette, and he'll take it without any hesitation, since he's a casual smoker. In fact, now that it's being offered, he's a bit glad for it, since smoking helps him concentrate. Or at least, he thinks it does.]

Yep, Angel and Rhys. Which, no surprise about Rhys, since he used to work for the same place I do, but Angel, don't know much about her.

[ He'll take the lighter (so long as she offers it), lights it, then takes a drag from his cigarette thoughtfully. ]

Which, unrelated, but worth noting, she's-- Well, you might not know about 'em, since they're, uh, rare, to say the least, but she's a Siren. By rare, I'm talkin' only six of them can evert exist at one time. [ He motions to the side of his body where Angel's tattoos would sit ] You can tell by the tats. Anyways, my point for mentioning that is that Sirens have crazy powers. Like, no two are the same, so I couldn't tell you what might be up with Angel here, but they're pretty damn powerful.

[ Of course, unbeknownst to him, he's talking to someone who possesses rather Siren-like powers... Considering how rare such a thing is, he feels it's worth noting, and he's also unaware that any of those abilities are gone. But.

He waves a hand dismissively, since that's more just information he's tossing out there because he has no idea that it's quite a bit more personal than the detached way he's explaining it now. He moves on to address the rest of what she's said. ]

I mean— Gonna be honest here, with odds like that? Any jackoff idiot is gonna have a pretty good idea of who made the program. So, first of all, I'll take odds of one third, second-- I mean, I know. I'm putting myself at risk here offering to make something like that, but, eh, better than just sitting around with a thumb up my ass, right? [ There's another drag here, and he motions generally towards her ] I'll see what I can do. No promises, but I don't mind putting that target on my back. I think it'll help, so I've got no complaints trying.

Edited 2016-10-13 17:28 (UTC)

[ What kind of bitch would she be not to hand him her lighter? Of course she does. Elizabeth doesn't even ... like smoking. She hates the ash against her tongue and the way her throat stings with each puff. It's becoming habit now, a mask tightening so hard that she's forgetting what's a ruse and what isn't. Jack may know that feeling too. :)

Angel and Rhys, huh? She thinks to herself, trying to weigh the risks of trusting others. ]

I mean... let's look at the positive side - if anyone does get in, it significantly narrows the pool of people viable to do it.

[ Meaning? If they get hacked, look at the hackers. However, he starts talking about Angel and she has to perk a brow upward. She hadn't talked to the girl much... but it remains to be seen that she has no clue that their connection runs much deeper. All they had in common was the mention of 'crazy powers', but Jack certainly doesn't know that. ]

So... that's three people from your universe. You hit the damn lottery. [ Sarcastic. ] I guess just keep an eye on her. Two tech savvy people with connections to you definitely makes it easy to interact with them.

[ It's safe. I mean, her whole notion that Jack and Rhys were one of the only people brought here together dies down a little, she'll let him have that freedom. ]

I guess I should thank you for offering to help. [ She says honestly with a subtle hint of smugness in her tone. ] Targets on backs aren't exactly my goal here, but there's definitely something I'd like to avoid. Seeing you die for my own spurring... not good on my conscience and I'm trying to be a good girl.

[ Of course, she's teasing. ]

Keep me posted? If you need help with anything, I'm here.

[ ok first of all fuck u

Jack snorts out a laugh, but it's wry and humored. ]

Yeah, no friggin' kidding. A Siren, a billions in one chance, and a stalker that's obsessed with me? --Okay, the second one is. Way more likely. I'm kinda collecting a club here and that's really weird. It's super weird, right? Hah.

[ He laughs again, though the idea of a stalker doesn't seem to bother Jack too much. There's a part of him that really likes the attention, after all, though there's another that finds utlitliy in it. After all, without Nakayata being obsessed with him, he wouldn't have made a couple technological strides that he neatly took credit for. Of course, Jack would explain that's just how Hyperion works, though. ]

You've got it, Liz. Now that we know there's at least one more terminal here, I'm gonna guess there's more, and that will give me a lot more confidence. I don't want to dick around with the commissary or voting for... obvious reasons. But as soon as one not tied to obvious stuff comes up? I'm on it. So—

[ He smiles, and this time, it's all confidence and charm instead of the goofy, awkward impression he had left first. After all, this is a chance for him to use his skills and smarts to be a hero, and to do so for a beautiful woman? There's little that's more of an ego boost for him. ]

You're welcome. If anyone can do something like this? Definitely me.

[ :)

Whatever weird flattery Jack finds in that, Liz ain't touching it with a ten-foot pole. She's concerned, though - he kind of minimizes the impact of what kind of position he's in but... if he dies because of it, it's his fault. Elizabeth is keeping her walls up high, trying not to allude anyone to the fact that she's just as scared and just as desperate to live as anyone else. ]

I'm in your debt. First the skylight, now hacking? Tsk tsk. [ Elizabeth sounds sweet as she takes a heavy intake of her cig. It's thoughtful, but as she drops it to the ground and smashes the remainder with the bottom of her heel, she smiles. ] Don't make me regret it, handsome.

[ Elizabeth's tone shifts more to when he first met her, one that's more sultry than calculative. She turns, her back to him. ]

Find me whenever you need something or want a little company.

[ Honestly for the best there, Liz... Jack can inflate his ego on his own without help, so adding fuel to the fire is never good. It's what gives him the kind of reckless confidence that she's concerned about, because to Jack, failure really does seem like a near-impossibility.

He starts to laugh when she chastises him, cocky and confident now that this is something he's confident in, but as soon as she calls him "handsome" and her tone shifts to something sultry again... Less so. Even when she is firmly off limits and he'll stick to that, that tone is still. Distracting. Dammit. ]

You. Uh. God- [ Eloquence is his strong suit, obviously. He shakes his head, laughing off his own awkwardness. ] Okay, so, just gotta point it out here. Phrasing. I'm at least 99% sure that was intentional, but still, goddamn.

Edited (nah he wouldn't use kiddo) 2016-10-14 18:55 (UTC)

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day 2 (after trial)

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